Chicago Photography Crew

A huge part of producing a photo or video shoot is connecting with great people to help you get the job done. I love all the amazing and talented people I get to work with on production, its the best part of my job. I know how tricky it can be to find great crew and resources when producing a shoot in a different city. I often get emails and calls from out of town producers or photographers looking for suggestions on production crew and resources in Chicago so I wanted to build a comprehensive list to help out fellow producers. I am always happy to give you my personal recommendations – but I hope this list can be a good start to anyone looking to produce a shoot in Chicago.

Praise

Samer is an absolute asset to any team. He is diligent, well organized, and very thorough while on set. He is very detail oriented, brings ideas to the table and has a great enthusiasm you don’t always find in his field. I would strongly recommend him to any person in need of his services. You won’t be disappointed.

Samer is an excellent digital tech! I have had the opportunity to work with Samer on many occasions. He is always professional and a great asset to the team. He is extremely knowledgeable and detail oriented in his work. As an added bonus he is very personable and a great person to work with. Samer adds a lot to the team. You should probably hire Samer for your next job!

Praise

He is an awesome first.
He always has a smile.
He knows what he is doing.
He knows Grip. He knows lighting.He knows Music
He does not screw around or diddle on his phone constantly
I love the guy , Please don’t book him. I want him to be available when I need him.

Tim Blokel

Experience using Hasselblad, PhaseONE, Mamiya, Arca, Alpa, Canon and Nikon camera systems tethering with Capture One, Phocus and Lightroom software. Can supply both studio and location digital capture packages that include hardware calibrated monitors to ensure accurate color replication, and the fastest Mac computers to keep up with tethered capture. On set compositing as well as full service digital retouching can also be provided.

Nathan Destro

10+ years. Managed an equipment Rental Department for 6+ years. I know how equipment works, doesn’t work, will break, how to fix it, how to troubleshoot it remotely, equivalent workarounds, and probably the manufacturer representative to contact if all else fails. This applies to all the major brands for stills & motion applications.

Photo Assistants

Naomi Chu Arguinzoni

I’ve been photo assisting for 10 years on shoots ranging from food, lifestyle, editorial and advertising; working with people to food to animals…you name it, I’ve probably done it! I’m comfortable using Speedotrons, Profoto, Broncolor, DynaLites and Comets and have worked with Canon, Nikon, Hasselblad, Mamiya and Phase Bodies along with IQ and Phase Digital Backs. I primarily use CaptureOne but have experience with Lightroom and Phocus Software.

Praise

He is an awesome first.
He always has a smile.
He knows what he is doing.
He knows Grip. He knows lighting.He knows Music
He does not screw around or diddle on his phone constantly
I love the guy , Please don’t book him. I want him to be available when I need him.

Austin Ho

Assistant for 3.5 years has worked with almost all camera and lighting systems on location or in studio, can drive a cargo van and cube truck. Works well with any crew and knows how to handle himself on set.

Praise

Flynn is an awesome assistant with whom I’ve worked for over 10 years. Prompt, polite, and skilled with both lighting and camera systems, she is able to think on her feet and anticipate what I need to make my production go smoothly. Very highly recommended.

Nathanael Filbert

1st Assistant and Lighting Tech. The first lesson a photo assistant learns is appropriate set behavior and how to work as a team. I’ve been assisting for 6 years now and have worked hard not only to communicate and lead well, but also to understand light. Whether your project is a challenging location shoot or you’re in a studio with all the control in the world, seeing and shaping light is what this job is about and it’s what I love to do well.

Mike Hammond

Will Nunnally

I’ve worked as a photo and production assistant and produced documentary photos and video using Lightroom, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere and After Effects and Final Cut Pro. I speak Spanish and have a passport and car.

Olivia Kohler

Has been assisting for 4 years, from baby strollers to yachts and everything in between. Her commercial driver’s license has gotten her crews cross country multiple times in anything from a sprinter to a 26’ truck. Is familiar with all camera, computer and lighting systems, and has been PhaseOne Certified. Is new to Chicago, and would love to work on your next production.

Adam Biba

On sets since 2013, working on lifestyle, editorial, and loads of interior/architecture shoots. Experienced primarily with Speedotron, Profoto, White Lightning, Dynalite, and hot lights, and comfortable with Capture One, Lightroom, and Photoshop. Lives in the city with a car, and has driven passenger/cargo vans. Knows that great set etiquette and organization are key to any successful shoot.

Patrick Fraser

I worked at Dodd Camera in Rental for 3 years – I am familiar with – Canon, Nikon, Profoto, Broncolor, Speedotron, Sinar, I have basic knowledge of Hasselblad and Phase One Digital systems. I also know pretty much all grip and how to set up, take down and properly weight bigger stands.

Hair and Makeup Artists

Karen Brody

Karen has worked on major Hollywood films like “Transformers” and “Contagion,” TV shows, music videos and a long list of print clients. With more than 25 years experience, Karen is not only in high demand, but has also received local and national recognition for her work in publications like Time Out Chicago, Woman’s Day and Lucky magazine.

Jenna Baltes

I am a licensed Cosmetologist in both IL and CA. I have been working with hair for more than 10 years, cutting, coloring and styling. I also do makeup. I am usually on set making people a more polished version of themselves. I enjoy doing hair and makeup for advertisements, head-shots, editorials or videos.

Kasha Rodig

Kasha’s makeup/hair experience and focus lays in print, HD Video and film. Kasha’s undying patience and positivity helps even the most stressed out clients feel like they are taken care of. Some of her clients include Sears, Duluth Trading Company, Kellogg’s Canada, Nike, Glamour/Chicago Magazines and Discovery Channel.

Karen Lynn Accattato

Thirty years experience in motion picture, network television, print, commercials, corporate and editorial. I specialize in natural and beauty makeup. Proud member of Studio Mechanics Local 476 for 18 years.

Ashley Vest

Ashley has been a makeup and hair freelancer for 12 years. She grew up in the beauty industry and started doing makeup and hair while getting her B.A. in film. Ashley adores that she is able to combine her love of working behind the camera and beauty into on career. Non-union IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2236979/

Jen Brown

With a decade of experience, Jen Brown focuses on work in Print, Commercial, Editorial and Corporate Videos. While passionate about making people feel good and being a part of a team, Jen Brown is also quick, reliable and creative. Commercial clients include Busch’s, Progressive, and Grub Hub. To see a full list of work, feel free to request a resume via email.
312.560.4712
jen.b.makeup@gmail.comwww.jenbrownmakeup.com

Wardrobe Stylists

Heather Brooks

A fashion / wardrobe and prop stylist with more than a decade of experience in commercial advertising, editorial, print and film. After years of experience I still love what I do and strive to bring a fresh look to every set I walk on!

Lindsey Berger

Over the last 11 years, I have taken many concepts and successfully turned them into images, videos, catalogs, advertisements, and editorial content. My talents include conceptualizing, set design, production, styling, and art direction in a wide variety of genres.

Melanie Francis

For over 20 years, Melanie Francis has been using her artistic sensibilities and resourcefulness to help tell stories. She brings creative energy and enthusiasm to each and every project, whether it’s an entire environment with costumed characters, a lifestyle shoot, or a small jewelry set. She is efficient and excels in sourcing and creating distinctive props and backgrounds.

Chris Jakab

Chris Jakab is a multifaceted stylist with over 15 years experience- anything from room scenes, wardrobe styling, to styling jewelry, and luxury cosmetics for commercial advertising, catalog, print and film. Finding the perfect elusive props is her forte’. Available for photo shoots, as well as commercial and film shoots. Union member IATSE Studio Mechanics Local 476

Kelly Kruthaupt

I’ve been self employed in the fashion + film industry for over 15 years. That time has given me the wonderful opportunity to gain experience in a wide variety of fashion styling roles within the industry, each with their own variety of skill sets; fashion editorial, print, television, film, catalog, runway, market editor; etc.

Francesca Dupont-Madinier

15+ years working with apparel and 3+ years as a wardrobe stylist. A strong focus on Children and Women wardrobe. I have experience with still, lifestyle, motion, and TV. I have worked with UPS, WE tv, The Land of Nod, Crate and Barrel, Nike, Trunk Club, Realtors Magazine, clothing lookbooks, and more. I can also work as a local in NY and LA. I absolutely love what I do and thrive with wonderful teams on set!

Rebekah Wiest Raeburn

Working as a stylist for the last 22 years. I have extensive experience doing wardrobe and propping for both print and film productions. I have a detailed knowledge of the city and it’s resources as they relate to production work. In my work in the last 4 years I have also worked as an art director to help guide the look and feel of the final product. My experience includes work on national ad campaigns, catalogs, and feature films.

Prop Stylists

Melanie Francis

For over 20 years, Melanie Francis has been using her artistic sensibilities and resourcefulness to help tell stories. She brings creative energy and enthusiasm to each and every project, whether it’s an entire environment with costumed characters, a lifestyle shoot, or a small jewelry set. She is efficient and excels in sourcing and creating distinctive props and backgrounds.

Heather Brooks

A fashion / wardrobe and prop stylist with more than a decade of experience in commercial advertising, editorial, print and film. After years of experience I still love what I do and strive to bring a fresh look to every set I walk on!

Lorrie J

15 years experience in print & film. I’ve worked as a lead stylist/art director for Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Arby’s, Dairy Queen, Jack Daniels, Trunk Club, Panera, Popeye’s…..just to name a few. Member of local 476 studio mechanics.

Lindsey Parker

I bring to set a versatile range of styling talents that come from having a B.F.A. in Photography, a Certificate in Culinary Arts and 10 years experience in the commercial photo industry. I have the creative skills, local relationships, resources, and prop/surface collection to help seamlessly execute art direction from classic to conceptual. Clients include Crate & Barrel, CB2, Herman Miller, Target and Cooking Light Magazine.

Chris Jakab

Chris Jakab is a multifaceted stylist with over 15 years experience- anything from room scenes, wardrobe styling, to styling jewelry, and luxury cosmetics for commercial advertising, catalog, print and film. Finding the perfect elusive props is her forte’. Available for photo shoots, as well as commercial and film shoots. Union member IATSE Studio Mechanics Local 476

Dana Renninger

I have decades of experience as a Photo Stylist and in the art department of motion things. (Columbia College Film Production – I am working towards Union 476, but can absolutely still do non-union.) My specialties include room sets, soft-goods, props in general, and sexy food, location patios, and set design.

Rebekah Wiest Raeburn

Working as a stylist for the last 22 years. I have extensive experience doing wardrobe and propping for both print and film productions. I have a detailed knowledge of the city and it’s resources as they relate to production work. In my work in the last 4 years I have also worked as an art director to help guide the look and feel of the final product. My experience includes work on national ad campaigns, catalogs, and feature films.

Food Stylists / Home Ec

Mary Valentin

Mary’s philosophy of food in photography stems from her passion for good food. Though food styling skills are important in being able to control the effect of the food in the photograph, over-styling food sometimes kills the very thing that makes it visually beautiful, unique and appetizing. Mary draws on her experience and skill in both the visual and culinary arts to help her clients explore the possibilities and to ultimately enact their final plan.

Location Scouts

Kate Levinson Locations, Inc

Kate Levinson Locations, Inc is a Chicago-based location scouting and management company specializing in residential and commercial locations for still photography and video. Local, National and international scouting services available. We LIVE to be explorers and detectives.

Mike Hammond

Alex Friedland

With 2+ years of experience in the photo industry I pride myself on being detail oriented, easily adaptable, a creative problem solver and a bit of an organization freak. I have a car and I am happy to use it on jobs!

Praise

Will Nunnally

I’ve worked as a photo and production assistant and produced documentary photos and video using Lightroom, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere and After Effects and Final Cut Pro. I speak Spanish and have a passport and car.